Alan White

DHL delivered a missing in action parcel that unboxed itself, wrapped itself in a plastic bag and then delivered to another address. Suffice to say the long awaited FT focuser was not as dispatched ☹️ New one now being supplied in its place, watch this space.

I think you have made the correct call on the Radian and DeLite, I have used both and optically very little if any difference. The 8 to 7 step is too small I think. The only advantage is a weight saving with the DeLites. But I think you already knew this and needed positive confirmation from us all, which is most sensible indeed. Amazed no one’s tried to encourage a purchase though

@F15Rules that’s a super idea Dave, just need the motors now then, got ahead of myself 😉

More importantly for the Zombie Appocolipse happens and you still wish to observe

Its my third one, every time I sell one its instant regret. I now am working on buying a second sometime, this is to ensure I always have one to sell and one to keep 😉 I would actually like one driven and one all manual, and I know I could do it with clutches, but all manual is great at times, keeps it all very real and how I started out with a very wobbly eq3 is sized bresser mount many years ago now.

@JeremyS, have you not realized it is the Tardis showing its stretching for more kit. A sight very rarely caught on camera 😉

Thanks, it does work well. Indeed there is Ed, perhaps a second one, well one day, it was my first thought as soon as the kit was moved out to its new home, oh look....room for more kit!

Snapped a quick pic of the Vixen setup in White Light use and found a halo around the mount, clearly it’s Sainted… Ok it’s a reflection on the lens, but I do like these mounts so much.

Thanks Rusted, that’s exactly what’s next and ordered for next week, a pile of coach bolts and bits.

Power from Khazi to Store shed run this morning in SWA, just a double socket with USB outlets so far. Light/s inside yet to be sorted out, but one step at a time. And beefed up the doors for heavier lock and adjusted doors so no slight binding etc. Will also add an outside red light for when setting up and breaking down kit, should be so much easier than a torch.

I set up and observed on and off today, beutiful day, but was working so not truly observed. Thanks for the images being shared, it truly is a super Sol today.

Congratulations on the scope purchase, you will enjoy it I am sure. The above prediction is probably far more true than you realise!

The Khazi could be embelished via Amazon or other retailer... https://amzn.eu/d/e9SmGhd

He did, but didnt realise it @JeremyS, We had look at the Observing Area and the new Store, sadly the Khazi got overlooked by the rest of the short tour. Flushed with the sucess of the new Store 😂

Indeed I could, but only if I want to take up flying. We are in the Essex Alps 😉 and catch uphill breeze (understated) and anything that can get lift, does. The Store will be fixed down to the pad before Autumn to ensure that it is not a flying shed. I do like the overall cover idea, that will be at my next property when I downsize and retire, but not wishing my time on this fine blue orb away in anticipation and making things work for the now.

The pier is a Vixen one for the GP mount and has no wheels, its light aluminium construction. The reality is that its used as I need a second tripod, I prefer a tripod for stability. Wheels would be a pain as the shed floor is about 60mm above the concrete level and has a small lip in the doorway. On your build, make sure you discuss the trees with the neighbor if you can, things like that tend to set people going. A drop down shelf would be simple enough, if you had a shed purpose made, the builder could make that part of the design. I look forward to see where your own project goes, I am sure it will get tweaks just like my one has done over time. One thing to consider is security for whats in the store space, I have various bars and locks on order to add to my store, some is due in the post today, so a few more steps yet before the green fence and shed treatment comes out to match the rest.

Had a quick shuffle about of kit over my lunch stop today and pointed the LS40 at a cloudy sol. But made first use of 'The Store' and upgraded Observing Area. I also just ordered some more SWA, Glands etc to run power from the Khazi and allow for a socket and red and white lights (watch this space). Pleased to get to this point, especially how I am hobbling about at present.

I have to laugh at above as the original concrete area was far bigger and was part removed to make this pad area. The aim at the time was shielding from lights next door, it does that job fairly well.

I have been asked why the Store is located as it is in a PM, which is a fair question to pose, thanks @Mike Q. The Shed / Store is central to the concrete and this allows both doors to open fully open as they are 2' roughly wide. The shed is 6' with about 1' walls each side of doors. I have had help getting the kit in for the picture and more room than I expected, which is good. Mind you my immediate thought was room for more kit!! Bad, Bad me. It is furthest back on the pad, which allows me to see the sky above my tree line, even with the Dob in use. Or so I worked out....time will tell if that is correct.

Indeed it will Mike, makes the mounts and 10" so much closer and easier to shift, I am having knee and hip issues and this is part of making life more easy. Oh and Mrs W gets the 10" out of the House too, which is a positive move 👍

Well following the good advice given on shed types, the wooden store has just arrived and been put up. This is work in progress and will go Green in near future, but a notable step onwards. Electrics to run between Khazi and Store for lighting and a socket too. Before the Store And with the Store A nice solid job, very pleased with the quality from my local maker Falcon Sheds.

Been away on holiday and returned to post, but sadly missing the FT focuser for the Lunt still ☹️ But some goodies are here 😁 The long awaited SLV 9mm, got it off eBay and only 3 weeks from new, not to sellers taste, my gain in this case.

Arnaud, what a super job, you must be very pleased. That mount is like a cat more than one life.

Thank you for the update Steve. Much as we really thought physics being advanced by the new ultra short, longer fl scope, we all truly knew the reality. Looks a super package, just the red anodising makes me 🤪

Not quite the same time frame from me, but your words echo my own otherwise.